“Rides, slides and storybook lane”

This 20-acre outdoor theme park, nestled in a forested setting just off I-5 in Salem, is something of an Oregon icon. The Enchanted Forest has been family owned and operated since opening its doors in 1971. Today, there are kiddy rides, slides and storybook lane for the younger set, a haunted house, Big Timber Log Ride (the biggest log ride in the Northwest), and a roller coaster for the slightly older bunch.
The Enchanted Forest has plans for even more future creations. As creator Roger Tofte says, “There is no shortage of ideas, just time and money. We believe in attention to artistic detail. We want to offer our visitors something unique, with a lot of variety. We strive to be the hidden gem that people discover as their own special place.”

The Enchanted Forest may look somewhat creepy from the interstate, but it's totally cool once you get inside. Admission is only about $10, and each ride only costs 95 cents. You've got to check out the Big Timber Log Ride, which is the biggest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

Keep in mind that the park operates on a seasonal schedule, so it opens in late March, operates on the weekends through April, is open daily from May until Labor Day, and then weekends only through September.

Oh also even though the Enchanted Forest sells food, they also welcome picnics so feel free to pack your own meal!

As Howie Mandell once said, "it's like if Disney has no money." That is how any rational outsider would see the park. You would see the folksy crafted nursery rhyme sculptures and some of the seven dwarves at times looking more like garden gnomes. However, if you are a native Oregonian and grew up here this place is pure magic. There is something awe inspiring and completely visionary about a man sculpting a park in his backyard out of concrete and rebar. Over the years it has brought such joy to all of us that have grown up here. It is full of nostalgic beauty and is a constant reminder than even the most laughable dreams can turn into something fantastic.